Millaroo State School hosted their annual Scholastic Book Fair from September 5 to 16.

Students and staff dressed up as their favourite book character for a Book Fair Parade, held on Tuesday, September 12.

Prizes were awarded to best dressed, with Kindy to Year 3 first place going to Chelsea Cavanagh and second place to Delta Burrell; and Years 4 to 6 first place to Jacob Hoare and second place Chace Pyott.

Students were also returned the artworks they entered in the Burdekin Art Society Art Show.

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Students pictured at their Mad Hatters Tea Party

Students pictured with their paintings from the Burdekin Art Show. Photos supplied

With passion and pride for her hometown of Home Hill, Faye Hall aims to share the untold history of the Burdekin with twists of romance, drama, and intrigue.

The local author has published over 15 titles, all works of fiction, but all inspired by the real stories of the region.

“I feel the Burdekin history gets ignored a lot,” Ms Hall said.

“There’s so much history here, so many families who came here, came from nothing, and made a life here.

“You hear a little bit about Mr (John) Drysdale who started the sugar industry, but the Burdekin’s so much more than sugar cane.”

Ms Hall’s grandparents migrated to the Burdekin, building what she calls the “Australian dream.”

“I grew up on stories of what they went through, the people they lost, the underlying crimes,” Ms Hall said.

“I love the stories of it all and I wanted to make something bigger.”

Inspired to defy a naysaying teacher, Ms Hall started writing romances in high school, getting her first book published soon after.

Her books have been published by various publishing companies both in Australia and America, before she established her own business 4th Avenue Press.

Set in local townships and drawing on history books, state records and national archives, Ms Hall takes creative license with local history.

“You’ve got drama, crime and scandal but there’s also that romantic element that drifts all the way through and pulls the characters along,” she said.

Ms Hall’s newest book is due for release in October and will be available, along with her other titles, to borrow from the Burdekin Library or to purchase from 4thavenuepress.com.au, Amazon, and Kobo.

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Local author Faye Hall’s books are available from the Burdekin Library. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Over the school holidays, Larrikin Puppets took to the stage to light up the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr, with over 50 attendees from toddlers to teens coming along to enjoy the show.

The Larrikin Puppets are children’s entertainers, travelling Australia and internationally with their band of zany characters, performing colourful shows and catchy songs.

Founder of Larrikin Puppets, Brett Hansen says, “We loved the Burdekin Theatre, everyone was really nice and helpful”.

“They set up the foyer space so nicely for us with black curtain backdrops and lighting for the show. The kids and families were really nice, too.”

Established in 2012, Larrikin Puppets engage with the audience through fast-paced, feel-good entertainment, encouraging audiences to talk, dance, sing and play along.

Larrikin Puppets also run both beginner and advanced puppeteering workshops, giving students the opportunity to learn a range of techniques.

The workshops, led by Brett and his wife/co-puppeteer, Elissa Jenkins, gives the audience a rare chance to learn in a fun, supportive environment that inspires confidence, teambuilding, communication and creativity.

Brett says, “We love touring and travelling to different places that don’t often get puppet shows or workshops, everyone is in good spirits and excited to learn.”

“When we do our library tours, we have 50 puppets to lend out, teaching participants ways to bring these inanimate objects into living, breathing creatures.”

The puppeteering duo have trained in the USA under Jim Henson Puppeteers, who are well-known for their work on The Muppets and Sesame Street television shows.

Brett goes on to say, “Good homework for the kids to do after they’ve attended is to watch [these TV shows], to see how the puppets move and remember some of the skills they learnt in the workshop.”

Larrikin Puppets strive to create a world of ‘bright-eyed wonder’ for children and families everywhere, working each day to make the world a more whimsical, kind and joyful place.

Larrikin Puppets have a jam-packed schedule, with shows across Queensland this month, as well as a Ted Talk in Brisbane on October 14.

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Elissa Jenkins and Brett Hanssen bring their unique puppet show to the Burdekin Theatre. Photo credit: Rachael Smith